What is a “CRITICAL STUDY

OF TEXT”In this case…

“A critical study of The Pigman by Paul Zindel”

explore and evaluate The Pigman

Explore?

Ideas / themes / human nature actions /

plot

Characters and their

relationships

Investigate…

“survey…” “search for…” “discover hidden things”…

…and how they show the

explore and evaluate The Pigman

Evaluate…(“assess… weigh-up… choose the most valuable…”}

…language forms & features

(techniques)…

…textual form & structure…

…dramatic &/or visual techniques

Ideas…Themes… “human nature”

Action / plot

Characters and their

relationships

…the scenes / quotes in the novel that best show the ideas, values, characters,

relationships. Then, evaluate (figure-out-how-well-something-works) the…

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Module B: Critical Study of Texts

“This module requires students to explore and evaluate a specific text and its reception in a range of contexts. It develops students’ understanding of questions of textual integrity.” http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/english-std-adv.html

What do you “do” in a critical study of The Pigman?

http://coolstuffschool.com 2012

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The Pigman“…in a range of contexts.”

• Personal context – personal character / individuality / appearance / passions / “human nature”

• Social context – rich:poor / educated:uneducated / social status / manners / language style / leisure activities / appearance / values

• Historical context – time and place / political era / Christian ; Pagan /war : peace / pre : post colonial

• Cultural context – customs / leisure activities / work ethic / religion / beliefs

http://coolstuffschool.com 2012

Cultural “context”…O Shown by:

O LanguageO FoodO ClothingO MusicO ArtO ArchitectureO ReligionO Family structure

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The Pigman “…in a range of contexts.”Personal contextSocial contextHistorical contextCultural context

To Kill A MOckingbird

composer

responders

characters

critics

OF THE TEXT’S

…

Example??

In what ways does the context of the 21st Century influence the way a contemporary audience responds to the characters and themes in The Pigman?

http://coolstuffschool.com 2012

OHow would (have) various audiences interpreted Paul Zindel’s The Pigman in different:

OTimes?OSettings? OPlaces?OCultures?OSocial groups?

How do these interpretations change or affect your own interpretation???

BEFORE YOU CAN ASSESS how OTHER interpretations change or affect your own interpretation …

You have to “know” what your interpretation (of the text) is… and…why you have this interpretation!